Head Start event gives a taste of different cultures

Fourteen preschoolers of Head Start, a program for less fortunate families, and the children's parents, siblings and grandparents gathered for a multicultural luncheon on Nov. 16 at the American Legion in East Stroudsburg for a day of food, music and fun.

Fourteen preschoolers of Head Start, a program for less fortunate families, and the children's parents, siblings and grandparents gathered for a multicultural luncheon on Nov. 16 at the American Legion in East Stroudsburg for a day of food, music and fun.

"We have children here who belong to different cultures," said Charlene Gonzalez, who teaches the 14 preschoolers in her class, who also organized the event. "I thought it would be nice for the families to get together to share traditions and cultures and be able to experience them."

The children in her class were from various cultures such as from Italy, Egypt, Peru and Puerto Rico.

Children along with the parents spent their time in painting, and making crafts.

Dishes made by parents included Egyptian "bindigan" (eggplant curry), Peruvian "papa a la huancaina' (potato, egg and milk casserole), Puerto Rican "pernil" (pork shoulder) and curry chicken were a few of the dishes made by the parents along with lots of pasta and barbecue chicken wingettes.

"We have a great group of parents who not only cooked but also came and helped setup everything," said Gonzalez of the effort every parent put in for the event. The parents cooked the meals that they traditionally made back home.

They also set up tables with books and charts to display information pertaining to their countries and culture. "They put their own touch into whatever their culture meant to them," said Gonzalez. Information about their religion, food, sports, flags, language and tourist destinations were on display.

Irrespective of their languages, the parents enjoyed their food with other parents talking about various issues while the children played around. "This get together gives us resources to understand each other and take away the prejudices," said Catherine Mullen who hails from Egypt.

Naira Kasparian, an Armenian, had come to join the lunch as she finds the camaraderie excellent, even though her son no longer attends the program. All the parents agreed as to the best support system they find with each other.

The program currently rents space at Middle Smithfield Elementary school for classes. Though they are not part of the school they are allowed to use its playground and lunchroom.

"People can make donations or volunteer with the program," said Gonzalez about involving the community. "These are families who can't afford to send their kids to preschool."